Estelle, from the Ballet Queens series (N182) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1889

This is 'Estelle', a promotional card from the Ballet Queens series by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. The lithograph presents a theatrical figure, drawing our eye through its bold color contrasts and structured attire. Notice how the deep reds of the costume are punctuated by the cool blues of the embellishments, set against a neutral backdrop. This chromatic juxtaposition not only highlights the figure but also defines the structured form of her outfit. The composition, though simple, is carefully arranged to showcase the dancer in a poised stance, legs crossed. Her direct gaze and symmetric arm placement add to a sense of calculated artifice. The use of standardized figures like Estelle reflects a growing interest in celebrity and visual culture. The print functions as a sign, encapsulating both the glamour of ballet and the commercial interests of its time. It plays with the tension between artistic representation and mass production.